$15 Logo Competition

[Omar]

$20 Logo Competition

*Prizemoney increased to $20*
*Updated logo spec: http://www.namepros.com/showpost.php?p=886360&postcount=49 *


Hi all, due to the success and general high quality of entries in my last contest I have once again come to NamePros for a logo competition.

I need a logo made for a company called "CatCo", i.e Cat Company. The logo is required fairly urgently so please do not wait around before making an entry. I will probably be asking for small alterations to be made to some entries which make the shortlist.

Here are the rules:

1) The final winner must provide a .gif (or tiff) and a copy of the .psd or other editable vector format (and associated fonts if possible)
2) Must contain an image of a cat (see samples below)
3) The contest will end when a suitable winner has been chosen, or two weeks from the date of this post.
4) Payment will be made to the winner via PayPal.


Two samples of the general idea required can be seen at: http://www.simpa.net/logo

Basically there should be some sort of cat image (a cartoony avatar type one like the one shown in idea.JPG might be good) and the letters "Co." next to it. We're looking for something a bit catchier than the logo shown in orig.JPG

I look forward to seeing your entries.

Edit: An additional request I would make to entrants: if possible please watermark with only the word "Sample"

 

[ClutchCut]

to you and to anyone else... please note that you cannot use images found on google, yahoo, istockphoto, or anywhere else online for a logo. logos must be original artwork.

Your first version is like one of the first entries in this search and you simply mirror flipped it horizontally and put text on it. I'm sure you did the same thing with the others as I highly doubt anyone creates 4 totally different vector cat artworks on the first submission for $15.
http://images.google.com/images?q=cat+silhouette&hl=en&btnG=Search+Images


Your 2nd submission was ripped from here
http://www.samburu.com/genhtml/p1402.htm

Using the google search keyword "Cat cartoon"
http://images.google.com/images?q=cat+cartoon&svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&start=80&sa=N


your 3rd submission was ripped from here
http://www.cartoonclipart.com/pages/cat.html

through a search on google with the keywords "Cat Clipart"
http://images.google.com/images?q=cat+clipart&svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&start=20&sa=N

Your 4th submission was ripped from here
http://www.brentwindsor.co.uk/draw_cartoon_cat.php

Again using the google search on keywords "Cat cartoon"
http://images.google.com/images?q=cat+cartoon&svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&start=120&sa=N

I take stealing images from the net very seriously because myself and other designers on here take time in creating original artwork.

Plus with these ripped images, you cannot possibly use them as a logo as they are not high enough resolution and not vector whereas so you can scale it up and down to any size.

Just a quick note -- While I understand that you don't want an unoriginal clipart image to be made, there are large groups of clipart on the internet that are free use. That means they're not being "Ripped" or "Stolen", and by catergorizing someone as doing so you're making an incorrect character attack. I understand your stipulation -- I can see where original clipart is always desired, but I just want to make the friendly suggestion not to misrepresent free clipart for being stolen imagery.

 

[reddragon]

that third one was copyrighted too! not cool marcfox!

Not exactly.
If the image isn't already copyright you may use it.
It might not be considered original or polite, but it's legal.

I think it's great you and other designers make your own original artwork, but some people are not so skilled and if they did try and be the same type of designer as yourself, they will simply not stand a chance and you will be gaining a constant profit from competitions.

Each person on here has their own way of producing work, as long as it is legal, you should respect them and their ways of producing it.

I think you are very talented and I really respect what you have to say, and what you do.

you can't be serious, if they can't win against designers as insanely talented as sylense, they will at least improve, and then its only a matter of time
just because your not as good doesn't mean you should copy other people's work. CLIP ART IS STILL OTHER PEOPLE'S WORK! and by the way, not all of those were clip art. besides, the entire point of a logo is that it is UNIQUE. If your going to enter other people's work, especially if you are claiming ownership, you should stay off this forum.

ok, i'm done

 

[eh-stevo]

logos must be original artwork.

Just curious, but is that a universal rule or something? I know alot of people cannot top your custom artwork, but as long as the image is not copyrighted, and allowed for that type of use, i dont see a problem. I didnt see anything about a T-Shirt design or anything, so the scalability wouldent be as much of an issue.



:notme:

 

[reddragon]

3 new ones with varrying amounts of fur

 

[ClutchCut]

that third one was copyrighted too! not cool marcfox!



you can't be serious, if they can't win against designers as insanely talented as sylense, they will at least improve, and then its only a matter of time
just because your not as good doesn't mean you should copy other people's work. CLIP ART IS STILL OTHER PEOPLE'S WORK! and by the way, not all of those were clip art. besides, the entire point of a logo is that it is UNIQUE. If your going to enter other people's work, especially if you are claiming ownership, you should stay off this forum.

ok, i'm done

Again -- you're missing the point. I fail to see how anyone who uses the internet can say they haven't taken advantage of someone elses work (not just artistically) at one point or another.

Are you to suggest that Clip Art is strictly for admiration? An on sites that advertise "Free Clip Art" they are strictly for free admiration?

Please.

 

[Albino]

i think i might have a go at this

but after seeing sylenses amazing (as always) work, im not sure :P

And i agree, a logo should be orginal work, and most clipart isnt good enough for a professional stlye logo.

 

[reddragon]

Again -- you're missing the point. I fail to see how anyone who uses the internet can say they haven't taken advantage of someone elses work (not just artistically) at one point or another.

Are you to suggest that Clip Art is strictly for admiration? An on sites that advertise "Free Clip Art" they are strictly for free admiration?

Please.

I disagree. Clip art may be used for inspiration, admiration, demonstration, etc. But you cross the line when you try to make it into the identity of a business, or even a blog. It doesn't look proffesional and it is not unique. You really cross the line when you use clip art and claim it is your own. The ultimate offense, however, is when you use someone else's © work and claim it is yours as marcfox has done. If your excuse is that you are not good enough to win a design contest without using clipart, that is completely pathetic. As far as taking advantage of other people's work, sure it happens, but in business situations and on prominant web sites, great pains should be taken to ensure that does not happen. The bottom line is, this is a DESIGN contest forum, if the contest holders wanted clip art, they could download it themselves. Instead, they are implying they want unique designs customized for their purposes. They are paying money to ensure their logo, banner, etc. will be unique and make an impression on customers or observers and if you can't see that then I'm affraid that you, are missing the point.

 

[angele803]

Be careful of "free clip art" sites. Read the terms. MOST free clip art and free image sites say their images are free for PERSONAL use. When you create a logo with the clip art and sell it, or you use the clip art for a business that makes money, that is not personal use and you can get in trouble for using the clip art.

In the US, an artists gains copy right the instant the art is created. You do not have to go to a copyright office to gain copyright of your work. Unless the artist specifically states that the image is free of any copyrights, you should assume it is copyrighted.

I dont meant to offend anyone or make anyone mad. But I do think people need to be aware of copyright issues. Im not perfect and I am sure I have violated copyright laws before, but I think we should all try to be fair in a competition like this.

 

[ClutchCut]

I disagree. Clip art may be used for inspiration, admiration, demonstration, etc. But you cross the line when you try to make it into the identity of a business, or even a blog. It doesn't look proffesional and it is not unique. You really cross the line when you use clip art and claim it is your own. The ultimate offense, however, is when you use someone else's © work and claim it is yours as marcfox has done. If your excuse is that you are not good enough to win a design contest without using clipart, that is completely pathetic. As far as taking advantage of other people's work, sure it happens, but in business situations and on prominant web sites, great pains should be taken to ensure that does not happen. The bottom line is, this is a DESIGN contest forum, if the contest holders wanted clip art, they could download it themselves. Instead, they are implying they want unique designs customized for their purposes. They are paying money to ensure their logo, banner, etc. will be unique and make an impression on customers or observers and if you can't see that then I'm affraid that you, are missing the point.

You are assuming what someone is implying. You have separated yourself three degrees already from the idea to make your point. This is not effective debating. Don't be defensive.

 

[SteSpeakDesigns]

that third one was copyrighted too! not cool marcfox!



you can't be serious, if they can't win against designers as insanely talented as sylense, they will at least improve, and then its only a matter of time
just because your not as good doesn't mean you should copy other people's work. CLIP ART IS STILL OTHER PEOPLE'S WORK! and by the way, not all of those were clip art. besides, the entire point of a logo is that it is UNIQUE. If your going to enter other people's work, especially if you are claiming ownership, you should stay off this forum.

ok, i'm done

are you directing these comments towards me? Because I don't do things like use clip art, and I also believe a unique idealy should be unique, as it is a feat which companies and such are instantly recognised by.

 

[reddragon]

are you directing these comments towards me? Because I don't do things like use clip art, and I also believe a unique idealy should be unique, as it is a feat which companies and such are instantly recognised by.

no, the "some people" you were defending

@ clutchcut--- um... ok

 

[Balmong]

Thats what I am working on...all vector, drawn by me
I can color it if ya want me to

 

[Sylense]

please refer to my post about logo creation:
http://www.webdesigntalk.net/showthread.php?t=132490

there is just a couple of references telling you that using "clip art" for a logo is not "ok" or "acceptable". a logo should be unique and most clipart will not even be at a resolution or provided in a format to be used in such a manner. yes, there are companies that allow you to license clip art but I guarantee you those terms of agreement have strict guidelines for the use of that clipart and incorporating it into corporate identity will be a forbidden term. clipart images are primarily used for such things as powerpoint presentations, word documents, etc. They are not meant for logos which should be completely unique and intricate designs customized for each business. I am not saying everyone should be able to create vector drawings as I do or anyone else... if you cannot produce unique/original work you should either A) Learn the skill by practicing the technique and researching or B) Do not enter contests for logo design or take projects involving logo design....

As I said, it's not fair to those that actual create custom artwork for someone to use an image that they had nothing to do with creating much less even consider themselves a designer. A graphic designer designs graphics... if you are just opening Photoshop, going through the motions, applying text and style effects then my friends that is not a graphic designer... I'm not sure what that's called but certainly not a graphic designer.

Practice makes perfect... you never know if you can do original artwork if you don't try and apply yourself... I didn't just wake up one day with magical hands and neither did anyone else producing unique artwork.

But that's all

Just thought I'd clarify that a bit. Please continue with the entries!

 

[SteSpeakDesigns]

no, the "some people" you were defending

@ clutchcut--- um... ok

It wasn't defending, it was expressing my views.
I didn't even look at Sylense's evidence or who he was accusing, I just read the paragraphs. I have no idea who was using clip art and who wasn't.

Everyone is entitled to their view, that was mine.

 

[Omar]

Ok, something weird happened and I wasn't sent a reply notification email from the forum.

I appreciate people pointing out the legalities of using clipart from the net in logos, but let's please try to keep this contest thread from turning into a full blown copyright discussion. If anyone notices an entry which uses copyrighted images, please send me a PM so that the entrant can be excluded from the shortlist.

At the end of the day the decision of a winner is not mine but there have been some really good entries, so here are some quick comments on some of the best ones so far:

Sylense: Fantastic work! One request though, could you please try and make another entry with a happier looking cat? The logo will be for an online store and although the sad cat might tug at people's purse strings, a happy one might look better

Balmong: Another brilliant entry, I really like this one. Could you possibly see what it looks like without the word "CAT" and/or without the dot in front of the "CO"

-------------------------------------

Please note that if you are using a cat outline, we're really looking for logos with eyes visible on the cat.

Keep the entries coming, my meeting has been pushed back to Saturday and there's a chance that a firm decision might be made on which logo to go with.

 

[SteSpeakDesigns]

Omar I apologise for being apart of the dispute, inside your competition, it was inconsiderate for me to comment and help the dispute.

Wont happen again

 

[steadler]

nice balmong

im afraid i wont be ble to enter this comp coz im busy sorry

 

[Border7]

I leave you boys alone for a day and what a mess! hehe, oh well, im glad its all settled down now.

Very nice Balmong, the cat seems to give off the expression of smug or sly... thats what I feel when looking at him. <~ my two cents.

@Omar - Your looking for eyes on the cat, on larger "full body" outlines the eyes would be reduced to specs so would be close up of say the head be more of what your looking for?

 

[Omar]

Well, I wouldn't say that entries should be restricted to close-ups of the cat's face. It'd be interested to see how eyes could be added to some of the silhouette ideas.

I'd also like to see some more entries with a more cartoony type cat as well (see the sketch linked in the first post for a very rough idea)

 

[Sylense]

Sylense: Fantastic work! One request though, could you please try and make another entry with a happier looking cat? The logo will be for an online store and although the sad cat might tug at people's purse strings, a happy one might look better

revision made... i just overwrited the other version so here it is again or refer to the original post. I lifted the expression of the face a bit and added a smile